RACE EIGHT
Since relocating from the West, KING OF SWING (5) has virtually been unstoppable in his 12 starts for the Craig Cross barn. Runner-up in 3 and winning the other 9, he has a Miracle Mile and a Hunter Cup win next to his name. Last start he blazed his last 800m in 53.5 from the front at the end of 2300m and with the big win from the barrier draw, he looks in a different league.
COLT THIRTY ONE (10) is the defending champion after winning this race when held in the Winter of 2019. He has been in super form of late with a gritty win from the breeze when putting TURN IT UP away in the Be Good Johnny. He could not repeat it last start in the Qld Cup and the big danger here is the tempo to give him a chance to finish over the top.
ONE CHANGE (1) was a gallant 3rd last week in the Qld Cup when pressing forward from gate 5 before taking the 1x1 trail as COLT THIRTY ONE rolled to the breeze. Only 2m from the winner CRUZ, it followed a passing lane 2nd over the mile 2 starts back. He will need to hustle early to protect the poles, but if he can be behind KING OF SWING, he looks a good place prospect along the lane.
BALRAJ (9) tackled the 2138m trip last week in the 4YO Championship and was gone at the home turn after a tough run. Somehow, he clawed his way off the canvas and with a late rally was able to grab victory as defeat beckoned. He has a win over KING OF SWING at 2300m when sitting on his back, while he will not have that trip, Jimmy Rattray coming for the drive has piqued an interest.
Of some of the other runners, THE BLACK PRINCE (2) will relish finally landing a barrier after a string of wide gates at Menangle and possessing early speed. TURN IT UP (7) will strip fitter after possibly being underdone at the sprint a fortnight ago, NORTHVIEW HUSTLER (6) enjoys the trip and has been finishing his races strongly and CLINTAL DO (8) will get the cosy trip for a knock-out place hope.
SELECTIONS: KING OF SWING (5), COLT THIRTY ONE (10), ONE CHANGE (1), BALRAJ (9)
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